Thames Valley Over 65's

We set off for Bisham Abbey with the clouds looking very gloomy and although when we arrived it has stopped raining the day proved to be quite a gloomy day results wise.

First up were our Division 1 team starting the day just two points behind the leaders, Highworth Town.  Our first game was against Abingdon and we started really well with Mick Stanbridge scoring with a deflection off the keeper, following a delightful pass from Andy Balshaw. However, we couldn't maintain our lead and Abingdon equalised soon after the restart. Keeping our shape well, and with some fine keeping from Steve Beament, Alastair Greene then put us in front again with a well taken shot. Yet again our lead was short lived and the game ended 2-2. Next was Wycombe Greys and a tight game was looking like a 0-0 draw with both seide not really creating many clear cut chances.  As the clock ticked down, our achilles heal came into play again (four running offences) and a another superb save from Steve Beament from the resulting penalty, kept the score to 0-0.  Highworth were our next opponents and an early goal from their 'not walking' forward saw us chasing the game and although we probably had the better chances and possibly a penalty, when Alastair Greene was in a goal scoring opportunity, only to be brought down from behind, we couldn't break them down. Fine defensive work, as always, from Cliff Leat, Lee Swales and Dave Marsh kept their chances to a minimum. 1-0 the final score. Bracknell were having a good day and so we really needed to win to have any chance of finishing in second place.  Again two early goals from their England international striker really put us under pressure and although Alastair Greene scored a fine goal from distance we couldn't find an equaliser. 2-1 the final score. We therefore finished third in the league.

Squad: Steve Beament, Cliff Leat, Lee Swales, Dave Marsh, Alastair Greene, Andy Balshaw, Mick Stanbridge, Steve Manly (unused sub)

With the clouds brightening and glimpses of sunshine our Division 3 team started strongly against league winners Oxford United. Our defence marshalled by the ever dependable Steve Buckey, limited their chances to just long range shots and it was such a shot which wrong footed Nick Schramm to go 1-0 up. Nick Schramm, who was standing in as our keeper made several great saves to keep the score to just 1-0.

Our local rivals Tring were next up and a very tight and at times physical game ended 0-0 with Barry Lustigman hitting the wood work with a fine strike being the closest we got to scoring.  Maidenhead were next up and a fine piece of football from our defence up to Mike Wood who controlled the ball and laid a peach of a pass to Andy Smith, who with a first time shot found the top corner. 1-0 and looking good. However, another long range shot saw Maidenhead score the equaliser and then the clouds really became gloomy! What had been a good game of walking football played in a good manner, developed into a farce due to the officious official who, from the first morning game, had been making derogatory remarks about certain players efforts. Having appealed for a running offence another remark was made to which quite rightly Mike Wood questioned. With that, he produced a red card for 'threatening behaviour' and then we the had to wait until Woody had left the entire complex. Andy Smith, whilst we waited, questioned his decision, only for him to be given a blue card and four minutes in the sin bin.  The game eventually got back under way with their six players against our four. Our lads were superb in defending the score line, especially Ken Rose and Nigel Walker. 1-1 the final score.

Our final game was against Slough and again this was a tight affair but when pressing for a well deserved goal, we left the back door open and Slough capitilised. With minutes left we were however awarded a penalty for four running offences and only a great save from their keeper kept the score at 1-0.

Squad: Nick Schramm, Steve Buckey, Ken Rose, Barry Lustigman, Nigel Walker, Mike Wood, Andy Smith.

So what a day, eight games played, four draws, four losses and a red and blue card.

As always thanks to all the squads for as they say 'leaving everything on the grass(4G)' and we look forward to the next session starting on Tuesday 17th March.